Caretakers of the Environment was founded at an international conference for secondary school students and teachers in The Netherlands in 1987. A group of teachers from North America and Europe developed the original idea which was to establish a network
of secondary schools around the world that were actively involved in environmental education.
This first conference had as its theme ‘The Sea’ and involved the student and teacher participants in working jointly on the environmental problems and issues facing the seas and oceans. The conference was very successful and stimulated those who particip ated to keep the momentum going. Since then Caretakers has held an international conference every year. These have been held in the following locations:
| YEAR | COUNTRY | THEME |
| 1987 | The Netherlands | The Sea |
| 1988 | Spain | Natural and Cultural Heritage |
| 1989 | The United States | Technology and Environment |
| 1990 | England | Conflict or Co-operation? |
| 1991 | Peru | Environment and Development |
| 1992 | Portugal | Environment and Tourism |
| 1993 | Canada | Environment and Natural Resources |
| 1994 | Scotland | Sustainability |
| 1995 | Russia | Arctic Ecology and the Environment |
| 1996 | The Netherlands | Environment and Development |
In 1997 the international conference will be held in Israel and in 1998 it will be in Ireland.
NATIONAL BRANCHES
Another of the aims of Caretakers is to establish National Branches to promote the development of environmental education within countries and in particular to do this by establishing networking projects between schools. Working together jointly on enviro nmental education activities emphasises the meaning and importance of the environment and it can be very motivational for school students to know that they are part of a network and working with a common purpose.
National branches have been established in a number of countries and it is intended that the Scottish branch will establish links with some branches in other countries as well as with the activities of Caretakers of the Environment International.
Visit the home page of Caretakers of the Environment International to find out more detail about the aims and activities of the organisation and also how to contact members of the International Board tha t is responsible for co-ordination and management of it activities.
Click here to return to the home page of Caretakers of the Environment Scotland.